Japan once again confirms the status of a unique market where technologies that are in other parts of the world have long since disappeared and continue to live normally in new products. The latest example is the NEC VersaPro VX-R, a business laptop that combines modern Intel Core Ultra processors with connectors and components that many manufacturers have long since discontinued.
A VGA port (D-SUB) and an internal DVD writer seem almost unthinkable on a new laptop these days, but in Japan this combination still makes sense. The VersaPro VX-R is currently only available in the Japanese market and fits perfectly with local habits and needs.
Modern hardware in retro packaging
The NEC VersaPro VX-R comes with Windows 11 Pro operating system and offers a choice of Intel Core Ultra 7 265U, Core Ultra 5 235U or Core Ultra 5 225U processors. It is about Intel’s current energy-efficient platform, which also includes an NPU unit for AI tasks.
The laptop supports up to 32 GB of working memory, while the data space starts with a capacity of 256 GB to 1 TB, with hardware data encryption. The 15.6-inch screen is available in HD or Full HD resolution, with the Full HD variant using an IPS panel for better viewing angles.
In terms of connectivity, the device supports Wi-Fi 7, has a wired LAN connection, an HDMI output, an SD card reader and as many as five USB ports. What makes it stand out is the presence of a VGA output and an internal DVD writer, a combination that has almost completely disappeared from the global market today.
Why Japan is still looking for laptops like this
The VGA port and optical drive still have real use in Japanese offices, schools and institutions that use older projectors or archived data on optical discs. NEC positions this model as a reliable business laptop intended for long-term use.
NECSecurity features include support for Secured-Core PC, biometric authentication via IR camera or fingerprint reader, and BIOS self-recovery mechanisms. There is also a built-in hardware diagnostic tool that allows you to check the processor, memory and other components directly from the Windows environment or BIOS.
In addition, NEC offers a developed service network throughout Japan and quick service options, which further emphasizes the business character of the device.
The continued appearance of laptops with “obsolete” ports clearly shows how local habits of a market can shape product design. The VersaPro VX-R is another proof that Japan remains the only market where this combination of old and new still has its place, reports Tech Radar.